No surprises, just rock at first half of Almost Acoustic Christmas

Elizabeth, Sarina, Stephanie and Ashley, from left, pose for a photo at the first night of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

While sitting among the bustling crowd Saturday at the first sold-out night of KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre, it became clear that this audience was definitely out to have a good time and enjoy (even scream along to) the artists that made up this heavier half of the 22nd annual weekend bash, all of whom could have played this same shindig a decade ago. Minus, of course, the newcomers of Young the Giant, who were still in elementary school back then.

But the others – Blink-182, 311, Social Distortion, Bush, Chevelle, New Found Glory – were either gaining momentum or well-established acts at the start of the millennium, and on this night their fans were looking for that nostalgic concert high. Even Sublime with Rome – who stepped at the 11th hour when Incubus had to drop off the bill after guitarist Mike Einziger fell ill – were well-received.

Yet, though these groups remain (mostly) intact and plenty of people here were ready to rock, the night still wasn’t entirely flawless. The sound held up nicely throughout each set, but Blink-182’s turn was rendered almost unlistenable by some strange tweaking from the soundboard. After three songs my ears needed a break, so I opted to watch some of their performance via stage-side monitors. If I’m going to officially go deaf, it’s not going to be because of these guys.

Luckily for them, by the time they came on enough alcohol had been consumed that most fans were swept up in the moment, dancing and singing along to “Josie,” “Dammit,” “What’s My Age Again?,” “Feeling This” and “All the Small Things.” The foul-mouthed trio, whose obvious asset is powerhouse drummer Travis Barker, even threw in seasonal stuff: “Happy Holidays, You Bastard” and “I Won’t Be Home for Christmas.”

I laughed to myself when the band dedicated “The Rock Show” to its “older fans.” That particular track was released in 2001; I vividly recall picking up Dude Ranch the summer of my freshman year of high school in '97, so I must be an ancient fan.

Before finally stopping their all-out assault on the audience's ears, bassist Mark Hoppus asked who would be attending the second half of KROQ’s two-night show, featuring Florence + the Machine, Death Cab for Cutie, Jane’s Addiction, Mumford & Sons, the Black Keys and more. Hoppus shared that he wanted the audience to chant “Blink-182 is better than you” following each one of those artists’ sets.

"It’s not true, but tell them that," he added, "especially Death Cab for Cutie."

There were numerous rumors that circulated (including on this blog) that Gwen Stefani and No Doubt – who, according to their Twitter feed, have been somewhat endlessly tinkering on their first album in more than a decade at an L.A. studio – would show up for a surprise set.

With only eight acts slated for Saturday but 10 tapped for Sunday, and with Stefani's husband already slated to perform, it seemed reasonable to expect a big-name drop-in. It also was speculated that Weezer would pop by, and when Incubus officially dropped out, some had hoped that Foo Fighters, the big surprise at KROQ’s Weenie Roast in Irvine this summer, might turn up again. Sorry, none of that came to fruition.

But give credit to Sublime with Rome for stepping up when KROQ was in a jam – and for really keeping this party going by playing all of its memorable hits, making the mosh pit come to life, and causing plumes of pot smoke to fill the air. They had the crowd captivated from the start with “Smoke Two Joints.”

The buzz from several sources was that this would be the last show for the group – either ever or for a long while. Nothing about that could be confirmed, yet it seemed bogus as fliers were being handed out to exiting patrons promoting the group's appearance at Cypress Hill's Smokeout in March. Maybe this was just the band's last show of the year.

Social Distortion, meanwhile, is popping up everywhere these days, though people don't seem even remotely sick of them. Why would they be? Mike Ness and his brood, who also appeared at last year's Acoustic Christmas, put out one of the best albums of 2011 (January's Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes), plus I can scarcely recall shows before now where the band leader consistently showed so much confidence and swagger. (He’s just so damn cool.)

Sporting a holiday-red shirt, long-sleeved and collared, Ness ripped through “So Far Away” and didn’t slow down as they barreled into “Machine Gun Blues.” His banter between songs on this occasion was minimal, though he did admit that “Gimme the Sweet and Lowdown” was his favorite track, and as he did at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater (and elsewhere) earlier this season, he also dedicated “Prison Bound” to his eldest son, Julian.

Nebraska-based 311 also delivered a stellar set, the band in top-form and performing better on this night than at its annual summer shows in recent years. Again, here was another group that gave the audience exactly what it wanted – chiefly more nostalgia, via tracks like “Down,” “Don’t Stay Home,” “Beautiful Disaster” and “Flowing.”

Chevelle, on the other hand, was lackluster at best. The Chicago band's set was just so generic; select fans fist-pumped along to “Send the Pain Below,” but everything else about the set was super bland. Bush, however, picked up the pace and rocked out, negating some really bad TV and radio performances recently, during which frontman Gavin Rossdale’s vocals have sounded atrocious.

Elizabeth, Sarina, Stephanie and Ashley, from left, pose for a photo at the first night of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Costa Mesa rockers Ally and Stephanie, from left, watch 311's performance during the first night of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
From left: Pimp My Ride's Diggity Dave, Brittany Thurber of the upcoming film 'Battleground Earth' and Beau Bachman of the Galpin Ford dealership in San Fernando Valley have a blast at KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas show at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
BFF's Biz, Erin and Chantel, from left, have fun at the first night of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Tom DeLonge and Blink-182 close out the first night of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker rocks out during the band's headlining set at KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 kneels down to get closer to fans at KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Blink-182 fans rock out during the band's set at the first half of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Tom DeLonge takes a closer look at a garment that was thrown up on stage during Blink-182's performance at the first half of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Nick Hexum and 311 had the penultimate spot at the first half of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
311's SA Martinez, left, and Nick Hexum share vocal duties during the first half of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
311 guitarist Tim Mahoney goes solo at the first half of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
311 fans wait between songs at KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
311's Nick Hexum, left, and Aaron 'P-Nut' Wills play some drums at the first half of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Tamara and Patricia, from left, enjoy the scene at the first half of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Social Distortion's Mike Ness rocks out at the first half of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Social Distortion guitarist Jonny '2Bags' Wickersham adds some vocals the group's set at the first half of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Social Distortion bassist Brent Harding roams the stage during the group's set at the first half of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Mike Ness and Social Distortion rocked the house at the first half of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Burlesque performers Leia Lockheart, left, and La Cholita hang out in the VIP section of Gibson Amphitheatre during the first half of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas in Universal City on Saturday. Check them out at the Slide Bar in Fullerton on Jan. 13. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Ever wonder what folks do in the VIP section at concerts? ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Sisters Mia and Gia, from left, make the scene at KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Folks form Orange County - David, Sasha and Celia, from left - have fun at the first half of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Sublime with Rome's Rome Ramirez performs at the first half of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Sublime with Rome's Eric Wilson plays bass below a projected image of Rome Ramirez at the first half of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Best friends Sally and Mayra head over to Gibson Amphitheatre for Saturday's Almost Acoustic Christmas show in Universal City. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Kelli and Art Outler, of Lakewood, have fun at the first half of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Bush guitarist Chris Traynor looks out into Gibson Amphitheatre crowd during his band's set at KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Gavin Rossdale and Bush rocked the house at the first half of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Bush performs at the first half of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Fans check out Bush at the first half of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Bush guitarists Chris Traynor, facing, and Gavin Rossdale grab the spotlight during their set at the first half of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Bush bassist Corey Britz lets it flow during his band's set at the first half of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Three Sacred Heart Academy of Flintridge La Canada students, one sister and one mom hang out together at the first half of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Patti Adams attended the very first KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas show, and on Saturday she brought her kids to their very first Almost Acoustic Christmas show at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Maddy, Lexi and Timory, from left, enjoy the scene at Universal CityWalk before KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Chevelle's Pete Loeffler performs at the first half of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Chavelle band members Dean Bernardini, left, and Pete Loeffler perform at the first half of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Lindsay Stong, left, and Polet Nersesian enjoy beverages in the VIP section of Gibson Amphitheatre during KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Daughter and mother Channel and Tammy Davidson, from left, have fun together at KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Young the Giant performs at the first half of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Timorie and April, from left, arrive for KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Juanita and Ryan, from left, hang out at Universal CityWalk before KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
New Found Glory lead singer Jordan Pundik performs at the first half of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Having a blast at KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas show are Mimi, Kiki, Skitz, Riley and Beth, from left, at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on Saturday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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